Colleen Kochensparger

With this project, Colleen Kochensparger seeks to build students’ understanding of geography and culture by updating resources in the school library and by integrating geographical research projects aligned to state’s social studies standards into the library/media curriculum for 4^th and 5^th grade students. For their projects, 5^th graders will create videos which will be integrated into the daily school video announcements so that all students in the school can learn from their research. Out of date books will be replaced with a new set about all 52 states (including Puerto Rico and D.C), 66 countries, 32 Native American and indigenous groups as well as a set of books on environmental and social justice issues in countries around the world. These books will also ensure that students from other countries see their culture reflected in current library materials. The lesson plans will be shared within the district and the books will be available for interlibrary loan.